Today we’re learning about free response survey options. By the end of this video you will know what Allow Text Entry is, how to add it to your questions, and a workaround for incompatible question types.
FAQ for Free Response Survey Options
What is Allow Text Entry?
Allow Text Entry is a feature that lets respondents manually type in their own answer when they select a specific answer choice (typically an "Other" option) instead of being limited to preset choices.
When should I use Allow Text Entry?
Use Allow Text Entry when you want to collect responses that may fall outside your preset answer options. For example, if you're asking for a favorite color but only provide four options, you can add an "Other" choice with text entry so respondents can enter colors you didn't anticipate.
Adding Allow Text Entry to Your Questions
How do I add an "Other" option with text entry?
- Go to the Survey Builder and select the question you want to modify.
- Increase the number of choices by clicking the plus sign.
- Rewrite the new choice text to say "Other."
- Select the "Other" answer choice.
- Click on the dropdown next to it.
- Enable the "Allow Text Entry" option.
A text box will now appear underneath the "Other" answer choice.
What text box size options are available?
Once you enable Allow Text Entry, you can adjust the size of the text box by selecting from the size options in the dropdown. The default size is usually sufficient, but you can choose a larger text box if needed.
What validation options do I have for the text box?
You have validation options for text entry. The Force Response option is recommended—this requires respondents who select "Other" to manually type out their answer before proceeding.
Workaround for Incompatible Question Types
Why can't I use Allow Text Entry with dropdown multiple choice questions?
Allow Text Entry is not compatible with dropdown multiple choice questions due to technical limitations.
What's the workaround for dropdown questions?
- Add a new answer choice (e.g., "Other") to your dropdown question.
- Create a separate Text Entry question in your survey.
- Set up Display Logic on the Text Entry question to only display if the "Other" option is selected in the previous question.
- Enable the "In Page" option so the Text Entry question appears immediately after "Other" is selected.
- Click Save.
How does this workaround work from the respondent's perspective?
When a respondent selects the "Other" option in the dropdown, a new Text Entry question pops up immediately on the same page. They're required to type out their answer before continuing to the next question.
Testing Free Response Options
How do I verify that Allow Text Entry or the workaround is working correctly?
Preview your survey and test both scenarios:
- For Allow Text Entry: Select the "Other" option and verify the text box appears and functions properly
- For the workaround: Select "Other" in the dropdown and confirm the new Text Entry question displays immediately and requires a response
